The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for construction works of the state-of-the-art Joint headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in Mbuya.
Gen Kainerugaba said, “it is of strategic importance that the MoDVA headquarters are accommodated in a modern and comfortable setting.”
He added, “this directly contributes to the operational efficiency, coordination, and capabilities of the UPDF. Our new headquarters will incorporate the latest technology and infrastructure to support a modern defence strategy.”
He expressed confidence in the UPDF leadership’s dedication to excellence in defence and security, noting that the new modern headquarters will embody the nation’s strength and resilience.
Gen Kainerugaba, also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, expressed gratitude to the Ugandan government, specifically the President and Commander-in-Chief, for their support in bringing the project to fruition.
He noted that the new headquarters will enhance decision-making, foster improved coordination between the Joint Staff and Services, and ultimately bolster national security and defence.
He expressed gratitude to the UPDF for undertaking the construction of a decent and honourable Joint headquarters of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF, which he said will be worthy of the name of the UPDF.
He expressed hope that the construction will be executed in two years as opposed to the estimated three years.
Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, the Chief of Joint Staff, said that the project which will be undertaken by the UPDF Engineers is a significant step in the commitment to the professionalisation of the Forces guided by His Excellency the President and spearheaded by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
“For long, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has not had decent headquarters and now the reality of having one is unfolding before us,” said Maj Gen Bakasumba.
He appreciated the CDF for his leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering support in ensuring that the construction takes shape and is executed.
“It is a fulfillment of your strategic priorities, that is, infrastructure development in the UPDF and the Ministry.”
Edith Butuuro the Ministry’s Under-secretary of Finance and Administration, announced that the estimated cost of the multi-billion project stands at Shs94 billion, with an initial allocation of Shs20 billion.
She applauded General Kainerugaba’s leadership in driving the project forward, recognizing his efforts to secure resources and prioritize the construction of the headquarters.
Mrs. Butuuro committed to supporting the mobilization of additional funds to ensure the project’s timely completion.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding; Commander Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okiding; Commander Special Forces Command, Maj Gen BD Mugisha, Service Chiefs of Staff, Members of the Joint Staff, Generals, Senior Officers and Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs officials.
